China's Emergency Management Minister Wang Xiangxi is under investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," a phrase usually indicating corruption. The probe is notable because investigations of sitting ministers are relatively rare and comes amid President Xi Jinping's intensified anti-corruption campaign. Recent related probes include top general Zhang Youxia and former Inner Mongolia Party secretary Sun Shaocheng. Wang, 63, became minister in July 2022 after leading National Energy Investment Corp.
China Launches Anti-Graft Probe Into Emergency Management Minister Wang Xiangxi
FILE PHOTO: The headquarters of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China is pictured in Beijing, China February 10, 2018. Picture taken February 10, 2018. REUTERS/Jason Lee/File Photo
Beijing, Jan 31 (Reuters) — China's minister of emergency management, Wang Xiangxi, is under investigation for suspected "serious violations of discipline and law," the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) said on Saturday — language typically used to allege corruption.
The CCDI statement gave no further details. Wang, who also serves as the Communist Party secretary for the ministry, is 63 and took office in July 2022 after serving as chairman of the state-owned power generator National Energy Investment Corp. It is relatively uncommon for a sitting minister to be placed under such an inquiry.
Context and Wider Anti-Corruption Push
The probe comes amid President Xi Jinping's long-running anti-corruption campaign. Xi this month described anti-corruption as a "battle China must not lose," following a record 65 probes into high-ranking officials last year. The campaign's scope has widened in recent months to include senior military figures and former regional and institutional leaders.
Last week the defence ministry announced an investigation into top general Zhang Youxia, who ranks just below Xi in the military leadership. State-owned media also reported the CCDI has opened an inquiry into Sun Shaocheng, the former Party secretary of the Inner Mongolia autonomous region.
Recent Developments
An official release from the Ministry of Emergency Management said Wang appeared on Tuesday at a routine internal meeting where cadres engage in self-criticism. The watchdog did not say whether Wang has been detained or removed from his post while the probe continues.
The investigation is unfolding as the CCDI continues a high-profile campaign that has reshaped Chinese elite politics. Reuters reported this story from Shenzhen; David Kirton authored the report and William Mallard edited it.
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